Human relationships are not easy... A thread.

There may be times when we have to engage in difficult or even painful conversations with those closest to us to resolve an important issue.

From the Buddhist perspective the question is, if we are going to speak up, what should be our attitude?

“Dialogue is more, however, than two people speaking face-to-face. The kind of dialogue that can truly contribute to peace must begin with an open and earnest ‘inner dialogue.’ By this I mean the ability to examine, carefully and honestly, our own attitudes.” - Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda outlines questions we can ask ourselves in preparation for engaging in a difficult conversation or dialogue with another person.

“Have I made the effort to find out the facts? Have I confirmed things for myself? Have I been swayed by second-hand information, by stereotypes or malicious rumors?” - Daisaku Ikeda

“By questioning ourselves and our assumptions we can open the way to more meaningful communication.” - Daisaku Ikeda

“This is because people who are at least aware that they may harbor prejudicial attitudes can communicate across differences more successfully than those who are convinced that they are free from all prejudice.” - Daisaku Ikeda

We chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to engage in this internal process of questioning, challenging our assumptions and prejudices to create value from dialogue.

To engage in such real, often difficult dialogues, based on the spirit of sustained engagement and mutual respect, is the surest path to peace.

“Now is the time for each of us to bring forth such courage: the courage of nonviolence, the courage of dialogue, the courage to listen to what we would rather not hear, the courage to restrain the desire for vengeance and be guided by reason.” - Daisaku Ikeda

This thread's source for quotes can be found by clicking on this link: https://www.worldtribune.org/article/our-power-for-peace/